Ooh La La – Chocolate and Kissing
February 18, 2011
Now here is a research study that will make your day!
According to a study done in the UK, chocolate and kissing stimulate the body in very similar physiological ways.
The researchers studied six couples and measured brain waves during various activities including kissing and letting a piece of chocolate melt in their mouths.
Both kissing and eating chocolate increased the activity in the brain that signals alertness and relaxation.
In some of the participants, chocolate produced an even greater effect which lasted longer than with kissing. Hmmm. Does this surprise you? Nope!
What’s the scientific explanation? Well, researchers think that chocolate’s sugar and cocoa butter components (phenylethylamine (PEA), theobromine, and tryptophan) work to trigger the release of dopamine in our brain bringing on a natural high.
These chemicals also raise blood pressure and heart rate which we interpret as “exciting.” Kissing triggers much the same response from our brain.
The texture of chocolate and the melt-in-your-mouth sensation you get while eating it, makes the experience pleasurable and long lasting. In addition, the slow melt at body temperature stimulates the sense of smell. Kissing, believe it or not, also stimulates your sense of smell and is, well, very pleasurable too!
So, there you have it. Kissing and chocolate; the perfect combination for the lovable chocolate lover.
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